Firsthand Learning

Learning occurs in many places other than the classroom. In the Environmental Studies Program, students have a multitude of opportunities available from college and departmental programs as well as work in the Roanoke Valley and beyond.

Research and Independent Study projects in Environmental Studies can be mentored by faculty in any department that participates in the program. Students should discuss possible projects with the faculty member closest to their interests.

Traditional internships, while valuable, usually involve on-the-job training assignments, but some Roanoke internships incorporate a strong research component. Please contact the Department Chair to apply. The application must be APPROVED before you can start working your internship hours and by the third day of classes in the term in which you will receive credit, so start the process of working on this early.

Independent studies provide students with a practical application of their particular majors or more specialized study in a particular area. You can propose a project based largely on your own ideas or participate in a research project sponsored by a faculty member. Please contact the Department Chair to apply. The application must be APPROVED by the third day of classes, so start the process of working on this early.

Honors in Major

Rising seniors with a major gpa and overall gpa of 3.4 or higher are encouraged to complete a research project that qualifies for Honors in Environmental Studies. The requirements are very similar to those of a regular research project except that you must have the minimum 3.4 gpa, complete the work in your senior year, and achieve at least an A- on the project. The "Honors in Environmental Studies" notation will appear on both your transcript and diploma. Here is the application for Honors in Environmental Studies. The application must be APPROVED by the third day of classes for the term in which you plan to start your work. Start talking with faculty early to line up a mentor and a project that is right for you.

URAP is a program unique to Roanoke College where students work as research assistants with a member of the Roanoke College faculty on an original research project of interest to both the URAP scholar and to the faculty mentor.

"When I researched various options for college, Roanoke's environmental program was light years ahead of what other schools offered. The professors were wonderful. So much of my time was spent outdoors; it really opened up my mind for different ways of learning."